Manila thieves prey on foreigners

In a span of four days, at least three foreigners have fallen prey to robbers in Manila, police said.

The victims are a Malaysian, a Briton and a Canadian.

The Malaysian, 22-year-old Yiing Yiaun Sheng, said he was victimized by a Ms. Cherry who introduced herself as an employee of the Shell, the sponsor of a circuit race in Rizal Park.

Sheng said he was with Ms. Cherry around 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 in a room at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel on UN Avenue.

He said the woman stole his cash, $200, P1,800 and 200 Ringgit and his credit card.

Briton Michael Farkas, 27, a property developer staying at the Best Western Hotel in Ermita, said a snatcher took away his iPhone as he was walking with his girlfriend in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, around 1 p.m. on Feb. 6.

Canadian Carl John Hansen, 60, complained to the police that three pickpockets took his wallet containing P2,000 cash, three credit cards, his driver’s license and a health card while he was walking along Padre Faura Street on Feb. 7 around 6:30 p.m.